"Nightmares On Essex" by G Herbo is a song that delves into the experiences and emotions the artist has faced growing up in Chicago, particularly in the Essex neighborhood. The lyrics highlight the violence, trauma, and psychological struggles he has encountered. The song begins with references to street violence and the desensitization that comes with it. "Kill a street nigga get a dime, Kill a rap nigga get a dub" portrays how taking someone's life has become normalized in his surroundings. The line "I heard you Kodak" is directed towards Kodak Black, another rapper known for his experiences with the streets. G Herbo then discusses his own experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He questions why he has PTSD and shares the factors causing it, such as witnessing friends dying and the constant fear and anxiety associated with his environment. The artist reminisces about a close friend who died and reflects on the emotional impact it had on him. He mentions that it was the last time he truly cried and how he carries guilt for lying to his friend about the situation. G Herbo then recalls the memories of being in dangerous situations, including a gunfight where he was miraculously unharmed, highlighting the constant threat of violence. He touches upon the influence of his surroundings on his actions and mentality. The line "Best watch lil bro cause he don't talk too much" indicates the need to be cautious around certain individuals plotting against him. G Herbo also mentions his devotion to those who have passed away by mentioning Kobe and Roc, possibly referring to friends or acquaintances who have lost their lives. The song continues with his involvement in criminal activities and his dreams where he envisions committing violent acts. He reflects on the naivety of thinking that trouble would come to him instead of seeking it out himself. The lyrics convey the emotional toll these experiences have taken on him, with feelings of anxiety, insomnia, and an inability to find peace. G Herbo also addresses the consequences of drug abuse, mentioning his reliance on substances like Xanax to find sleep. He connects his exposure to violence and drug addiction to the lack of stability and support from his family. The lyrics suggest that he has witnessed more addicts than he has had interactions with family members. The artist expresses his faith, acknowledging that people are praying for him and hoping for his safe return. He resolves to leave behind lean (a combination of prescription cough syrup and soda) and finds it difficult to sleep or eat without it. This reflects a struggle with dependency and the challenges of overcoming addiction. Furthermore, G Herbo criticizes those who claim to be kings but engage in negative behavior and lack integrity. He mentions that many individuals in his community are informants and betray others to avoid consequences. These lines emphasize his frustration with the lack of loyalty and trust among those he once considered friends. Overall, "Nightmares On Essex" showcases G Herbo's experiences with violence, trauma, addiction, and the constant battle with his own mental health. It sheds light on the harsh realities of growing up in a dangerous environment and the ongoing struggle to find peace and stability.
